Moving to Nevada from California

moving to nevada from california

Thinking about moving to Nevada from California? No matter who you are or where you’re at in your decision-making process, you’ve come to the right place. From discussing the pros and cons, cost of living, taxes, retirement and frequently asked questions, this article covers everything you need to know about moving from California to Nevada including:

  • Is it Better to Live in Nevada or California?
  • Cost of Living
  • Tax Benefits in Nevada
  • Retiring in Nevada
  • Pros and Cons of Moving to Nevada from California
  • Moving to Nevada Checklist

Searching for a place to live? Learn the Best Places to Live in Nevada!

What to Know Before Moving from California to Nevada

It’s a big decision to pull up your roots and move from California to Nevada. Maybe you have lived in California for most – if not all – of your life and the thought of living somewhere else is unsettling and you’re unsure about it all.

Even though neighboring Nevada isn’t very far away, you may wonder if you’ll like it or what others might think. The information below, specifically the pros and cons of moving to Nevada from California, should help you make up your mind about what’s best for you.

On the other hand, perhaps you’re someone who can’t wait to escape California’s high cost of living, taxes and overcrowding of people and traffic; but you’re not sure what state is best?

On this page not only will you learn all the benefits of moving from California to Nevada, but you can gain access to other resources of interest, such as our articles: 25 Things to Know Before Moving to Nevada and Best Places to Retire in the United States.

Is it Better to Live in Nevada or California?

This all depends on what you want and the stage of life you find yourself in. If cost of living is important to you, Nevada is likely a better place to live than California.

Homes in Nevada are more affordable and you often get more house for your money. Living in Nevada has tax benefits, as you’re taxed less than in California, which can be important to both workers and retirees. Many people find after moving that it's better to live in Nevada than California.

Cost of Living in Nevada vs California

Cost of living is a very important factor when deciding to live in Nevada or California. For some people, it’s the deciding factor because they find that California housing is just too expensive for their budget. Other influences include taxes and the cost of goods and services.

Is it Cheaper to Live in Nevada than California?

Generally speaking, it’s cheaper to live in Nevada than California. Housing is usually your largest expense in the cost-of-living equation. Nevada has more affordable real estate than California. According to the Zillow Home Value Index in March 2021, the typical value of homes in Nevada is $338,426. Compare this to California, where the same index has the typical house value in California at $635,055. It’s almost twice as expensive to buy a home in California as it is in Nevada.

moving from california to nevada

Lifestyle in California vs Nevada

There are things to consider beyond money, such as lifestyle. Some people think that because California has the beach, ocean and mountains, it’s a better place to live for those who love going outside.

But if the outdoors are important to you, know that Nevada has incredible outdoor beauty and activities as well. Nevada is the most mountainous state in the U.S., has incredible desertscapes and even has a fair number of lakes and bodies of water.

Population in Nevada vs California

When living in California you have many large cities to choose from, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, Fresno; the list goes on and on. This is great for those who like to be surrounded by fast-paced action and lots of people. And there are a lot of people in California – more than 40 million at last count.

However, if you don’t like large crowds, millions upon millions of people and a constant fast-paced life, Nevada may be a better choice for you. The population of Nevada just barely exceeds 3 million people, which makes the entire state of Nevada’s population about 30% the size of California’s Los Angeles County, which has roughly 10 million people.

How Many Californians Move to Nevada?

You’ve probably heard about all the Californians who are moving to Nevada. In fact, more than 50,000 Californians moved to Nevada in 2019. People of all ages are moving to Nevada from California, including families, singles, retirees and graduates.

To get a first-hand account of someone’s experience moving from California to Nevada, read this: California Dreaming and Leaving.

Is Nevada More Expensive Than California?

Nevada is not more expensive than California when it comes to buying real estate. Since there is no state income tax in Nevada the money you save on taxation helps make it less expensive. Generally, the price of things like gas, food and services are also less expensive in Nevada than California.

How Much Does It Cost to Move from California to Nevada?

To move from California to Nevada costs, on average, between $1,500 to $5,000. This all depends on if you use a moving service and which service you use, or if you decide to rent your own truck and move everything yourself.

Moving to Nevada from California Taxes

One of the major headlines you see about why people are moving to Nevada from California is taxes. There are major differences here and if you’re someone who’s seeking less taxation, Nevada wins out handily over California.

If you’re looking for an in-depth guide on the taxes between Nevada and California, read our article: Nevada vs California Taxes.

Tax Savings Moving from California to Nevada

  • Nevada has no state income tax
  • Nevada has no estate or inheritance tax
  • Nevada has lower property taxes
  • Nevada has lower sales tax
  • Nevada does not tax retiree’s pensions

Do You Pay California State Taxes if You Live in Nevada? 

No, if you are a resident of Nevada and do not work or receive income in California, you do not have to file a California tax return.

However, everyone’s situation is different, so be sure to consult a licensed tax professional to understand your tax requirements.

Moving from California to Nevada for Retirement

In recent years, Nevada has become a major hot-spot for retirement. Before, Californians would either move to Palm Springs or Arizona for retirement. But times have changed, especially with the emergence of Las Vegas as a top retirement destination.

Nowadays, tons of retirees are thinking about moving to Nevada from California for retirement. But just where in Nevada should you move to when coming from California? Take a look below at 2 of the best places for Californians to retire in Nevada.

Two Great Places to Retire in Nevada for Californians

There are not nearly as many cities and people in Nevada as in California, so it’s important you research the various cities, towns and places you could retire to in Nevada before moving from California. Here are two top places to retire in Nevada if you’re coming from California!

benefits of moving from california to nevada

Las Vegas

When people think of Nevada, they often think of Las Vegas. As the largest city in Nevada, Las Vegas has experienced massive growth and an evolution from its place as Sin City in previous decades. Today, the city attracts new residents of all ages and backgrounds who are moving to Las Vegas for many reasons.

Vegas has tons of great areas to live at all price points and a booming real estate market. For retirees coming from California, there’s an abundance of housing options. A few popular choices include: 

Summerlin

The Summerlin area on the westside of town is extremely popular for its upscale and affluent vibe. As a master-planned community of Las Vegas, Summerlin is home to over 100,000 people and sought-after by those seeking luxury homes, 55+ communities and suburbs-style living. Popular neighborhoods of Summerlin for Californians include Sun City Summerlin, Red Rock Country Club and The Ridges.

In the Southwest of Las Vegas, communities such as Southern Highlands and Spring Valley are in demand, thanks in-part to their location near the I-15 that runs into town from Southern California.

If you’re still on the fence about whether or not Las Vegas is right for you, be sure to check out the Pros and Cons of Living in Las Vegas.

moving to nevada from california

Henderson

Located adjacent to Las Vegas is the second-largest city in Nevada, Henderson. Here you will find a city with over 300,000 people that, while very close to the action and excitement of Las Vegas, has its own lifestyle and energy that makes it attractive to many.

In Henderson, you will find suburban neighborhoods surrounded by all the conveniences, shopping and dining you could ask for. Living in Henderson, you have access to tons of activities, parks and outdoor recreation. You’re close to Lake Mead and even closer to nearby Lake Las Vegas, which offers great waterfront properties and the new 55+ Del Webb at Lake Las Vegas.

Real estate in Henderson is fairly affordable and offers a great bang-for-your-buck compared to California. There’s a plethora of 55 plus communities, gated communities and neighborhoods to choose from. A few popular places to live in Henderson after moving from California include: 

When Californians are moving to Nevada, many have their minds made up they want to live in either Henderson or Summerlin. While this can be a tough decision; either way, people usually end up happy since both are great places to retire in Nevada.

For more information on moving from California to the Las Vegas area, be sure to check out: 10 Myths About Moving from California to Las Vegas 

Should I Move from California to Nevada When I Retire?

We see questions all the time like “should I move from Southern California to Nevada when I retire?” and “is it worth leaving the Bay area to retire in Nevada?”. These California residents are seriously weighing whether a Nevada retirement is right for them. Here are a few benefits of moving from to Nevada from California for retirement!

5 Good Reasons for Retiring in Nevada from California

1. Great Retirement Communities

Nevada is home to many excellent retirement communities that offer a high quality of living at reasonable prices. These are not sleepy senior communities, either. Many 55+ communities in Nevada feature resort-style amenities, luxury homes and tons of sports, games and social activities. Las Vegas retirement communities are becoming well known among Californians seeking a luxury lifestyle at affordable prices.

2. Beautiful Outdoor Activities

California isn’t the only place to get outdoors; Nevada has plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, boating, swimming, skiing, climbing, horseback riding and much, much more. The outdoors are easily accessible no matter where you live in Nevada. If you’re holding back on moving out of California because you’re not sure you’ll remain active in Nevada, think again!

3. Slower Pace of Life

One of the main reasons people are moving from California to Nevada for retirement is so they can enjoy a slower, less hectic lifestyle. If you’ve lived in California for any amount of time, you know just how fast-paced and crazy life can be. The freeways are clogged, helicopters are whizzing overhead and there’s always something happening. By retiring in Nevada instead of California, you can enjoy a more relaxing lifestyle yet remain close enough to the action that you don’t miss out.

4. Less Expensive Cost of Living & Lower Taxes

As mentioned above, it’s generally less expensive to live in Nevada versus California. The real estate, even in places like Las Vegas, is typically more affordable and people often remark how much more home and land they get for their money. Add on top of this the favorable tax environment and you can see why so many California retirees are thinking about moving to Nevada.

5. Stay Living Near Family & Friends

Nevada is a great place to retire if you currently live in California because it keeps you close to family and friends. If you were to move to a place like Florida, you’re now much further away and visits require a lot of planning, long flights and a drastic time change. Nevada is only a couple hours drive away from people on the coast of California and it’s an hour or less flight. With an international airport in Las Vegas, plus plenty of things to do, a Nevada retirement can help keep friends and family coming back for all the fun.

moving from california to nevada

Pros and Cons of Moving to Nevada from California

Before you make any decision, it’s always helpful to weigh the pros against the cons. When it comes to the benefits and drawbacks of moving for California to Nevada, there are many to consider. Here are just a few of the pros and cons of leaving California and moving to Nevada.

Benefits of Moving from California to Nevada

  • You can get more house for your money.
  • You can have less cost of living and lower taxes.
  • You can live in less dense areas and have more land.
  • You can escape the rat-race and obtain a slower pace of living.

Reasons Not to Move to Nevada from California

  • You love the ocean and can’t stand the thought of not living near it.
  • You love living in big cities and populated areas.
  • You don’t want to make new friends or social circle.
  • You like telling others you’re a Californian.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the pros and cons of moving to Nevada from California. For a more complete picture on the benefits and drawbacks in relation to retirement, read our article The Pros and Cons of Retiring in Nevada.

Moving from California to Nevada Checklist

  • Make up your mind and determine where in Nevada you want to live.
  • Contact a local real estate agent, purchase or rent a place and sell your home.
  • Share the news, let people know you’re moving and tie up any loose ends.
  • Research how to change residency & driver’s license.
  • Hire a moving company or rent a moving truck, pack up and leave.
  • Start your new life in Nevada!

Moving to Nevada from California – Are You Ready?

There you have it, an entire guide on moving from California to Nevada. As with any decision, there are pros and cons to be considered. We hope that by putting together this article, we’ve provided the information you were looking for to help make up your mind whether you should move to Nevada from California.

If you’re ready to leave California and start your new life in Nevada, we can help you find a place to live. Fill out the form below, let us know the type of home you want, and we’ll put you in touch with a local real estate agent who can answer any questions you have and help you find a home!


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